"We all die sooner or later," Phandelopae Melshimber snapped, "but I'll be able to do so in much greater ease if you'd still your tongue for a breath or two! Let the men think!"
"Why the men?" Lark asked, her voice as sharp as the knife in her hand.
"Because they've probably been here before, Sweetness, and if they're like my kin, they'll know a few back ways out, that's why!"
"That's being caused by something striking the ground." Korvaun Helmfast peered into the dust that was all but hiding the rest of the hall from them now. "Something very large and heavy. And I'm afraid I know what it is. Beldar was right, and there's-"
"There's light yonder!" Roldo shouted, pointing. "That's the feasting hall. Let's get there! Now!"
"Oh, I like that not," Starragar muttered, as they started to move along the wall, rubble shifting underfoot. "Whatever's causing that, 'tis getting worse."
"Or there's more of whatever's causing it," Roldo offered, kicking fallen stone aside. "Some sound very close and others farther off."
"Come on," Starragar snapped. "The rest of the ceiling in here could come down any time."